Age Limitation of Taxis and Private Hire Cars (Air Quality)

You may be aware that in recent months there has been significant media coverage about pollution levels in the UK. The main causes of pollution in towns and cities are Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide (referred to as Nitrogen Oxides), which are produced in the emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles. Air quality in city centres is a major public health concern. Diesel produces Nitrogen Oxides and minute ‘particulates’ that are harmful to health. Although invisible to the naked eye, this form of pollution is a major public health concern, and some of the people who are most affected by it are motorists who spend long hours behind the wheel, such as taxi and private hire drivers.

 

The licensing authority for the City of Edinburgh (‘the Council’) is considering introducing an age limit for its licensed taxis and Private Hire Car (PHCs).

 

This measure should not only improve vehicle standards, but also local air quality through a reduction in exhaust emissions from licensed hire cars.

 

In 2016, for example, 21% of applications for taxi/PHC vehicle licences received by the Council were for brand new vehicles.

In response to a motion submitted by a councillor and a subsequent feasibility report, the City of Edinburgh Council's Regulatory Committee:

 

1) Agreed in principle that conditions of licences will be altered to improve the air quality in the city by reducing emissions from taxis and private hire cars (PHCs), and to consult on options to achieve that by either:

 

a) introducing an age limitation in respect of taxis and private hire cars; or

 

b) incrementally increasing the minimum emissions standards for the engines in these vehicles, which would improve the emissions standards.